How England could launch an unlikely Ashes fightback

The first game of an Ashes series has all those additional layers.

- POLLY STARKIE

Whether it’s extra media duties, singing the national anthem or the pre-series photo with the trophy, the anticipation and buildup is unavoidable for the players. When the England side took to the field a week ago, seven matches lay ahead; seven opportunities to compete with Australia and win the Ashes.

England’s first outing was not the start they would have desired for their campaign, aiming to regain the Ashes after a barren decade. There were some positive signs from the camp at North Sydney Oval with Heather Knight and Danni Wyatt-Hodge getting some runs under their belts. Ending 204 all out, however, was far from the competitive total they would have wished to set their rivals.

Lauren Bell put worries about the seam attack to bed with her economical bowling following the news that Kate Cross would be unable to play at least the first ODI as a result of the back spasm she suffered in South Africa in December.

Yet, Alyssa Healy led from the front, scoring 70 and taking the game away. Ash Gardner’s 42* set the tone for the rest of the series and continued the form she rediscovered at the end of the year. The four-wicket defeat caused sighs from England fans but there were still two more chances – surely England would find a win?